We will be spending 4 nights in the Lake Como area at the end of June and are looking for a good hotel where we can comfortably stay with our children - 4 & 6 years old. I'd like to stay in Bellagio or Varenna for convenience and would like to stay under $300/night, if possible.

Would love to hear opinions on the best hotels to stay at from those who have been there.

Nobody has any suggestions on hotels to stay at with kids in Varenna or Bellagio? I'm trying to avoid surprises like no elevators or a long hike up to the hotel. Hotel Villa Cipressi is booked up and I currently have a reservation at Hotel du Lac in Varenna for a quad room but at $500/night! Ouch!!

Would love some help... I'd like to keep the price to about $300/night if possible. Thanks!

Look at apartments in Bellagio---perfect for families. I seem to recal one named La Limonera. Good luck !

The ciaocaioitaly website has a listing of hotels by town, by star rating.

If you are staying a week or most of a week, then an apartment is a good idea.

You may want to consider some other towns. Menaggio has frequent boat service and several hotels to choose from. You could also consider the towns from Tremezzo down to Lenno. You might want to research the boat service schedules.

I absolutely recommend an apartment if you are staying at least 4 days in one place!! You have a small kitchen where you can cook simple meals and have snacks available. You have a living room in addition to your bedrooms, so there's more space for the kids to spread out when "at home". You'll probably also have more storage room for your stuff. Some places rent only by the week, but some do rent by the day. Look at www.slowtrav.com on their Italy section for apartment and hotel reviews.